Improve Employee Fitness and Morale While Giving Back to the Community

Get Up and Moving with the Lung Association

Unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are costing the U.S. economy $117 billion a year, through additional medical care, missed work and lost productivity. In addition, physical activity is vital to helping adults manage chronic lung disease. Below are some ideas that can get your staff working together as a team and getting them up and moving!

• Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of both men and women, and it is very likely that someone in your organization has been affected. Create a LUNG FORCE walk team at your workplace, and work as a team to raise funds for lung cancer research, education and awareness. Our events include food, entertainment and educational opportunities in a fun festival atmosphere for the whole family.
• Step up to the challenge and join us at the Fight for Air Climb—a unique endurance event that takes place in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums and arenas. Your team will benefit from training together, friendly competition setting fundraising goals as a group and individually, and encouraging each other as they climb to the top!
• See the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information on strategies to increase physical activity at work.

Establish a Workplace Giving Program

Workplace giving practices like payroll deductions and matching gift opportunities signify your organization's support of employee philanthropic activities and doubles your support both for that individual and for the larger non-profit community.

Provide Stress Management Programs

Stress is a common and costly problem in the workplace in the U.S. Stress in the workplace can impact productivity and have negative effects on employees' health as it affects the performance of the brain, memory, concentration, and learning. Managing stress is also critical for people managing chronic lung diseases such as asthma—too much stress can cause asthma symptoms.  The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Quality of Worklife Questionnaire provides tools for measuring the relationship between job/organizational characteristics and worker health and safety, and identifying targets for health and safety preventive interventions.

Encourage Healthy Eating

Most people are surprised to learn that the food they eat may affect their breathing, as extra weight can constrict the airways—limiting airflow. This also negatively affects your employees with chronic lung disease.

Our bodies use food as fuel for all of its activities and the right mix of nutrients in your diet can help you breathe easier. Employers can help improve the quality of life for all workers by promoting healthy dietary options.

• Find a Registered Dietitian who specializes in lung disease through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Volunteer Together

A growing body of research indicates that there is a strong relationship between volunteering and individual health. The health benefits of volunteering include lower mortality rates, greater functional ability and lower rates of depression later in life when compared to those who do not volunteer.

• Join the American Lung Association's mission to save lives and prevent lung disease by lending your voice, giving of your time, joining a local event, raising funds and more. Become an advocate: Help us fight for laws that will save lives and protect lung health.
• Volunteer: Contact your local Lung Association to learn how your unique skills can support our work.

Be Social with Us

Keep up with us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube